Alfa Mix (left) tackles long-time leader Drumacoo © Photo Healy Racing
Alfa Mix landed a nice pot in good style on his handicap debut when taking the Tara Handicap Hurdle at Navan.
Gavin Cromwell 's charge went to post an 8/1 shot for the €50,000 prize over two-and-a-half miles and travelled well to challenge at the second last.
Jonathan Moore drove his mount into the lead on the run-in to secure victory and he had a length-and-three-quarter to spare at the line over the staying on Top Moon
The winner had won his maiden hurdle in Tramore back in mid-October before a promising run when fifth behind the progressive Anything Will Do at Punchestown last month.
Cromwell said: “I thought he’d run a nice race and maybe finish fourth o fifth but it was a big ask for a four-year-old in his first handicap. He’d a lovely weight on his back and jumped well.
“He’s a raw horse and is improving all the time. I think he can keep improving. He was a little bit keen early and we were handier than planned but it worked out.
“I doubt if he will run at Christmas. He’s a big raw horse and I’ll look after him.”
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
